Obesity Education Initiative Electronic Textbook--Methodology and Trial Evidence

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			Introduction · Rationale · Methodology and Trial Evidence · Treatment Guidelines · References · Appendices
		Evidence-Based Guidelines Methodology · Trial Evidence · Evidence Model
	Why Treat Overweight and Obesity · What Treatments Are Effective
Blood Pressure · Serum, Plasma Lipids, and Lipoproteins · Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Diabetes · Decreases in Abdominal Fat With Weight Loss
Lifestyle Trials \| Pharmacotherapy Trials \| Abdominal Fat \| Fitness

3.d. Fitness

Evidence Statement: Increased cardiorespiratory fitness improves glucose tolerance in overweight individuals, but no evidence shows this relationship to be independent of weight loss. Evidence Category C.

Rationale: Two RCTs that examined the effects of weight loss on glucose tolerance in older men (369) and in persons with diabetes (404) also had measures of VO2 max (oxygen consumption) as a measure of fitness. In both studies, physical activity resulted in a net weight loss of approximately 2.3 to 2.5 kg (2 to 3 percent) and increased VO2 max by 9 to 18 percent. In one study (419) most measures of glucose tolerance improved, whereas in the other study (369)only 2 hour insulin improved. Neither study was designed to test whether increased fitness improves glucose tolerance independent of weight loss.

Recommendation: Weight loss is recommended to lower elevated blood glucose levels in overweight and obese persons with type 2 diabetes. Evidence Category A.

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